Moratiwa returns

SHARE | Tuesday, 01 August 2017 | By Ontametse Sugar

Socca Moruakgomo and his team changed the lives of young unemployed people when he embarked on a partnership with the then Ministry of Education and Skills Development and Limkokwing University to produce a full musical titled Moratiwa. The musical has been a great success. The legendary Moruakgomo never stops smiling when he talks about the production which has gotten so much publicity and great reviews because through it he has seen young people empowered. The story shows the song and dance about Botswana, poetry – a celebration of all cultures in Botswana. When preparing for the final show he used the likes of Professional Stage Manager from South Africa in Makalo Mofokeng who is also an actor in Muvhango. He worked with Moruakgomo before in musicals such as Magic at 4am and Sarafina. Brand Manager for Molapo Piazza Kgosi Goodwill said they are happy to have partnered with Moruakgomo to support the musical because they know that theatre is not yet appreciated in Botswana. He said they wanted people to come and see that it is one area that is worth investing in.

“The 30 cast members of Moratiwa are very talented and it made me wonder why our people are not doing too well,” he said. Goodwill said Batswana are just too quick to dismiss each other without giving each other a chance but as stakeholders they can all come together and support the creative industry. “These people have taken time to do this musical that is so good and bookings can help them live far much better lives. In other countries this makes money and that is why as Molapo Piazza we believe in them and in what they do,” he said. He said they are trying to shape perceptions on sponsorship as well where corporates should move from sponsoring briefcase projects only but move to areas like creative arts. He said there are many stories that Botswana can tell through performance on stage, and that is why over the past two years they have also supported Mophato who utilised the stage and platform very well. He said they always want to assist but it is easier when it is a group of people because they want to guide. Minister Unity Dow was among dignitaries who attended the show.